I've got Hips but I'm Not a hipster.

The hipster thing has been going on for the last year or two now. It's hard to describe hipsters without offending them or getting it completely wrong but I will try my best. Hipsters are basically a subculture that value witty banter, art, progressive politics, indie-rock, and counter-culture. Basically the people who rock the vintage clothes, messy haircuts, thick brimmed glasses, and that general "effortless cool" bohemian style. I can totally get these people and what they stand for, especially cause I love art, and vinyl. there are a few bands that fall into the hipster/ indie rock category that I really like.

Belle Brigade

I'm a big fan of an Atlanta singer-songwriter named David Ryan Harris, who mentioned Belle Brigade on his Tumblr page a while back. After searching for them I stumbled up their song "Losers" and Immediately liked it. The Belle Brigade are a brother and sister duo consisting of Barbara and Ethan Gruska. Together they write songs that are catchy and have really well written lyrics. It's really hard to categorize this band into a specific genre which is something I like about them. Two songs I'd suggest are "Losers" and "Where Not To Look For Freedom" 

The Head and The Heart

In the summer of 2009 I had a chance to go hang out with some friends from the washington/portland area and I had heard this band mentioned a few times but never really went out of my way to listen to them. Last june I attended an Iron & Wine concert in Salt Lake and lo and behold, The Head and The Heart were the opening act. Immediately after concert I had purchased their self titled album. What impressed me most about this band was that they all took turns playing different instruments and seemed to be having the time of their lives on stage. It was really easy to get into because they were having so much fun. I think I'll say this about all of these bands, but they all write wonderful lyrics. Which is a HUGE relief, seeing as the mainstream definition of good lyrics consists of Soulja Boy singing "Gucci Bandana, Gucci, Gucci Bandana" or my favorite "You catch me at your local party, Yes I crank it everyday, Haters getting mad cause I got me some bathing apes." yeah...that seriously happened. Choice tracks by The Head and The Heart are "Down in The Valley" and "Rivers and Roads." 

The Civil Wars

I honestly have no idea how I came across the Civil Wars but all I can say is that I am seriously happy I did. The music video for their song "Poison & Wine" is so pretty that every time I watch it, I have to watch it in fullscreen view. These two people are Incredibly gifted. They write beautiful songs and sing in harmony so perfect that it's almost scary. I also love the fact that they've done acoustic covers of Michael Jackson songs. Their CD "Barton Hollow" is a great piece of work. I suggest the songs "Poison & Wine" as I already mentioned but also recommend "Barton Hollow" and "My Fathers Father." 

Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons' record "Sigh No More" has been on the iTunes top 10 list since february. Seriously, am I the only one to notice that? like why haven't they been given some sort of award? Anyways, I digress. Mumford & Sons make very unique music. I really like them again for the wonderful lyrics. But what really works for their lyrics Is the way Singer/Guitar player Marcus Mumford sings them. At times He can sound totally pissed and intense and at other moments he can sound incredibly sincere, as if he's singing directly into the ear of the protagonist of the song. I also really like the insane banjo playing that is in most of their songs. Check out "White Blank Page" and "I Gave You All"